Brantley's 2013 Postseason October #s

first let me say how happy i am that i get to write a postseason numbers blog for Michael. and i'm even happier that Michael got a hit in his first ever major league postseason game! he loved it. when asked about the sell out crowd, he said "it's something i'll never forget. words are indescribable how that made me feel." despite the Indians losing their wild card showdown, i think this was a great learning experience and stepping stone for Michael. he got a taste, and next time the Indians get to the postseason (hopefully again in 2014), i expect a longer stay resulting in more numbers for Michael.

before i get into those numbers, i want to talk about leadership. prior to this team acquiring some veterans during the offseason, Michael was somewhat thrust into a leadership role last year. maybe not so much vocally, but just by setting a good example every time he stepped to the plate and every time he was moved to a different spot in the batting order. he may not have been ready to lead in any other way then. now, Michael didn't necessarily need to be a leader this season, but i think he embraced being a bit of a veteran in the eyes of certain young rookies and in turn did become more of a leader.

i knew this to be true after the Indians lost the wild card game to the Tampa Bay Rays. there are photos and videos of this online, but the image is still fresh in my memory. some of the Indians were sitting around the top of the dugout steps and watching the Rays celebrate on their home field. a few were very visibly upset, and rightfully so. at the time, none were more obviously sad than Jason Kipnis, who was seen with his head down, wiping his eyes, and shaking his head in dismay while looking down at the ground. Michael went right over to Jason and put his arm around him. then he bent down and i could see him talking to Kip. while i will never know exactly what he said, watching him pat Jason on the chest helped me realize they were words of encouragement. he was trying to comfort him and make him feel better. and in this moment, i knew Michael was a team leader. instead of being sad and animatedly upset himself, he chose not to wallow, but to accept the team's fate and steer others away from feeling sorry for themselves. Michael may not lead the team in home runs, or runs batted in, or doubles, or triples, or walks, but he leads in a different way. that made me so proud. and even though i was also sad that our Tribe season had come to an end, seeing Michael do that kept me from crying. it warmed my heart. my boy IS a leader. and i love that.

Michael had a hit in the 1 game he played in in Postseason October and he also reached base safely in that 1 game. Michael did not come to the plate with any runners in scoring position, so i have no batting average to report there. his batting average against righties was .250 (1-for-4). he did not face any lefties in the postseason.

Michael played errorless defense in left field yet again, recording a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in his postseason play. he also had 1 putout.


now because i have never done a blog break down of just 1 game before, this might seem a bit redundant, but i want everything laid out clearly as usual. so i am going to break down his Postseason October #s, the 5th spot #s, the #s of everything not leadoff combined, as well as the left field #s and overall outfield #s.


Postseason October batting average: .250

OBP: .250

SLG: .250

OPS: .500


Michael played in 1 (of 1) postseason game in October. he started and played a complete game in left field in this 1 game.


Michael bat 5th in 1 game.


Michael played left field in 1 game.


in the postseason in October, Michael had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats. here is how he fared:

1 hit

1 single


1 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

October batting average: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael bat 5th in the postseason in October, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single


1 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

overall Postseason October batting average in the 5th spot: .250 (1-4) (1 game)

overall Postseason October batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game) (9 innings)


when Michael was not leading off in the postseason in October, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single


1 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

overall Postseason October batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .250 (1-4) (1 game)

overall Postseason October batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game) (9 innings)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in the postseason in October, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single


1 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

(1 complete game)

overall Postseason October batting average while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game)



overall Postseason October #s while playing left: 1 putout, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (9 innings, 1 game)

overall Postseason October #s while playing the outfield: 1 putout, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (9 innings, 1 game)



now my game numbers and notes.

AL Wild Card: Game 1, October 2: 1-4, single. AVG: .250
(5th/LF/CG)



in Postseason 2013, Michael had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game (9 innings). in total, he had 1 hit, 1 single, 1 left on base, and 1 putout.

2013 Postseason batting average: .250 (1-4)

OBP: .250

SLG: .250

OPS: .500



my final Brantley blog will be a season wrap up blog.

Brantley's 2013 Batting Order Position & LF/CF/PH #s

after 45 games in 2013, Michael had hit everywhere in the order. he started at every spot in the lineup except 9th this year. he mostly bat 5th against right-handed starting pitchers and 7th against left-handed starting pitchers. but there were times when he filled in for injured players or guys getting a day off, and he came in to pinch hit on a couple days he was supposed to have off, so he ended up batting in some other places less frequently. Tito praised Michael for being so professional about the shuffling of his BOP, even if he didn't like it. he feels Michael is such a great hitter who never changes his approach at the plate and can literally hit anywhere, and therefore it's an asset to be able to plug him in wherever he is needed.

at the beginning of the season, Tito preferred Michael batting 5th and occasionally 6th. shortly after Bourn went down with an injury, Michael became the new temporary leadoff man. he also led off a few games towards the end of the season when Bourn had another minor injury. and as far as filling in goes, i think Michael did well. he had 36 hits in 25 games and drove in 13 runs. i've been battling for him, hard, regarding his ability to lead off games, and what he did this season only further backs up my arguments.

there were some games where Michael bat 8th, and this normally occurred against lefties when Tito wanted another player's bat ahead of Michael. although it's a small sample size, he excelled in that spot. 15 hits, 6 being in his first at bat, in 10 games is a job very well done. that said, i don't want to see Michael hitting that low too much next season lol

additionally, Michael was the cleanup hitter for a handful of games. he did great with 13 hits, 8 RBI, and 6 runs scored in 11 games. his experience in that spot last season may have helped him in 2013. then again, maybe it had no influence whatsoever.

if i'm going to criticize Michael at all, it might be for where he hit the most--5th and 7th. he played the majority of his games in the 5 spot, and i don't think it's unreasonable for me to have expected more. last year he also played the most games there after being removed from the leadoff spot, and he ended up standing out. i'd hoped all that "practice" would have translated into him really owning that spot this year. he's still not your typical 5th spot hitter. he may never be. and honestly, his 59 hits and 28 RBI in 62 games weren't terrible. however, if this is where he's gonna make his bread and butter now, then he should strive to be better. same with his performance in the 7 hole. i know Michael can achieve more than a .710 OPS and 24 hits in 100 at bats.

so does this mean that the more games he plays in a certain spot, the worse he's gonna do? no, absolutely not. it is harder to maintain high numbers when you do play on a regular basis. this is why you don't see many major leaguers with batting averages above .300 when the season is over. but there are other things to take into consideration. Michael did have some slumps this season and unfortunately, a larger portion of those took place while he was batting 5th or 7th. consequently, i should and do expect his numbers in these spots to improve next season (if he bats there heavily again).

Michael's batting order position didn't seem to matter where runners in scoring position were concerned. he was the definition of clutch, which is why he had the highest batting average on the team with RISP (.375) and 2 outs and RISP (.364). he drove in 59 runs and 29 runs, respectively. so even though his constant bouncing around in the lineup may irritate me, it's great to see Michael no longer needs any adjustment period because he's just so used to it. it's become a consistent inconsistency.

right-handed pitcher or left-handed pitcher, Michael was unfazed. he finished the year batting .288 against righties and .276 against lefties. maybe it was partially due to Tito's management, but i can't take anything away from Michael's natural talent. for the second year in a row, he was one of our most consistent hitters and ended the season with another respectable batting average of .284, highest on the team.


Michael played in 151 (of 162) games in 2013.


Michael led off 25 games. (1 defensive switch: 5 innings LF, 4 innings CF)

Michael bat non-leadoff in 126 games. (4 PH/7 defensive subs: 16 innings)

Michael bat 2nd in 1 game.

Michael bat 3rd in 5 games. (1 PH/sub: 3 innings)

Michael bat 4th in 11 games.

Michael bat 5th in 62 games.

Michael bat 6th in 6 games. (1 defensive sub: 2 innings)

Michael bat 7th in 29 games. (2 PH/subs: 5 innings)

Michael bat 8th in 10 games. (1 defensive sub: 1 inning)

Michael bat 9th in 2 games. (1 defensive sub & 1 PH/sub: 3 innings & 2 innings)


Michael played left field in 151 games.

Michael played center field in 1 game. (4 innings)

Michael was a defensive substitute in 3 games. (6 innings)

Michael was a PH in 4 games.


Michael played 144 complete games. he started and completed 143 games in left field. he subbed into 7 games, by way of late inning left field defensive replacement (3 games, 6 innings, no ABs) or PH and defensive replacement (4 games, 10 innings). he played in center field for 4 innings of 1 game. he did not play at all in 8 games. he missed 3 games due to the birth of his baby.


in 2013, Michael had a total of 611 plate appearances and 556 at bats in 151 games. here is how he fared:

158 hits

119 singles

26 doubles

3 triples

10 home runs

73 RBI

8 sac flies

66 runs scored

40 walks

1 intentional walk

4 hit by pitches

17 stolen bases

4 caught stealing

3 sac bunts

67 strikeouts

42 first at bat hits


222 left on base

257 putouts

11 assists

1 double play

1297.1 innings, 151 games

2013 batting average: .284 (158-556) (151 games)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael led off in 2013, he had a total of 120 plate appearances and 110 at bats in 25 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

36 hits

29 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

13 RBI

15 runs scored

9 walks

1 intentional walk

1 hit by pitch

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

16 strikeouts

4 leadoff/first at bat hits


35 left on base

44 putouts

223 innings, 25 games

2013 batting average in the leadoff spot: .327 (36-110) (25 games)


when Michael bat everywhere other than leadoff in 2013, he had a total of 491 plate appearances and 446 at bats in 126 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

122 hits

90 singles

21 doubles

2 triples

9 home runs

60 RBI

8 sac flies

51 runs scored

31 walks

3 hit by pitches

14 stolen bases

3 caught stealing

3 sac bunts

51 strikeouts

38 first at bat hits


187 left on base

213 putouts

11 assists

1 double play

1074.1 innings, 126 games

2013 batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .274 (122-446) (126 games)


when Michael bat 2nd in 2013, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single


2 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

2013 batting average in the 2nd spot: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


when Michael bat 3rd in 2013, he had a total of 18 plate appearances and 17 at bats in 5 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

6 hits

5 singles

1 home run

4 RBI

2 runs scored

1 walk

1 caught stealing

1 strikeout

3 first at bat hits


3 left on base

12 putouts

38 innings, 5 games

2013 batting average in the 3rd spot: .353 (6-17) (5 games)


when Michael bat 4th in 2013, he had a total of 50 plate appearances and 46 at bats in 11 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

13 hits

12 singles

1 double

8 RBI

1 sac fly

6 runs scored

2 walks

1 hit by pitch

1 stolen base

3 strikeouts

5 first at bat hits


25 left on base

21 putouts

95 innings, 11 games

2013 batting average in the 4th spot: .283 (13-46) (11 games)


when Michael bat 5th in 2013, he had a total of 253 plate appearances and 228 at bats in 62 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

59 hits

40 singles

12 doubles

1 triple

6 home runs

28 RBI

4 sac flies

26 runs scored

18 walks

1 hit by pitch

5 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

2 sac bunts

28 strikeouts

17 first at bat hits


96 left on base

117 putouts

5 assists

553 innings, 62 games

2013 batting average in the 5th spot: .259 (59-228) (62 games)


when Michael bat 6th in 2013, he had a total of 19 plate appearances and 17 at bats in 6 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

4 hits

2 singles

2 doubles

2 runs scored

1 walk

1 hit by pitch

2 first at bat hits


7 left on base

8 putouts

1 assist

46 innings, 6 games

2013 batting average in the 6th spot: .235 (4-17) (6 games)


when Michael bat 7th in 2013, he had a total of 112 plate appearances and 100 at bats in 29 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

24 hits

20 singles

2 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

16 RBI

3 sac flies

10 runs scored

8 walks

6 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

15 strikeouts

5 first at bat hits


42 left on base

45 putouts

5 assists

1 double play

248.1 innings, 29 games

2013 batting average in the 7th spot: .240 (24-100) (29 games)


when Michael bat 8th in 2013, he had a total of 33 plate appearances and 33 at bats in 10 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

15 hits

10 singles

4 doubles

1 home run

4 RBI

4 runs scored

2 stolen bases

3 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


11 left on base

7 putouts

80 innings, 10 games

2013 batting average in the 8th spot: .455 (15-33) (10 games)


when Michael bat 9th in 2013, he had a total of 2 plate appearances and 1 at bat in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

1 run scored

1 walk

1 strikeout


1 left on base

2 putouts

5 innings, 2 games

2013 batting average in the 9th spot: .000 (0-1) (2 games)



defensively, Michael played mainly left field this season, but also a few innings in center. and because he played a couple games as a PH, his numbers while playing the outfield are not all the same as the numbers above. so now i will get into the break down of his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup while playing left field and center field.


Michael played 151 games total where he was the left fielder for some portion of the game.

Michael started as the left fielder in 144 games.

Michael played 143 complete games in left field.

Michael was a defensive switch to center field in 1 game.

Michael subbed in to play left field in 7 games.

Michael was a PH in 4 games.


when Michael played in the outfield in 2013, he had a total of 607 plate appearances and 553 at bats in 151 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

157 hits

118 singles

26 doubles

3 triples

10 home runs

73 RBI

8 sac flies

66 runs scored

39 walks

1 intentional walk

4 hit by pitches

15 stolen bases

4 caught stealing

3 sac bunts

66 strikeouts

41 first at bat hits


221 left on base

257 putouts

11 assists

1 double play

1297.1 innings, 151 games

(144 complete games)

2013 batting average while playing in the outfield: .284 (157-553) (151 games)


when Michael played center in 2013, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits


1 left on base

4 innings, 1 game

2013 batting average while playing center: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael played center and bat leadoff in 2013, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits


1 left on base

4 innings, 1 game

2013 batting average in the leadoff spot while playing center: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael played left in 2013, he had a total of 606 plate appearances and 552 at bats in 151 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

157 hits

118 singles

26 doubles

3 triples

10 home runs

73 RBI

8 sac flies

66 runs scored

39 walks

1 intentional walk

4 hit by pitches

15 stolen bases

4 caught stealing

3 sac bunts

66 strikeouts

41 first at bat hits


220 left on base

257 putouts

11 assists

1 double play

1293.1 innings, 151 games

(143 complete games)

2013 batting average while playing left: .284 (157-552) (151 games)


when Michael played left and bat leadoff in 2013, he had a total of 119 plate appearances and 109 at bats in 25 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

36 hits

29 singles

5 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

13 RBI

15 runs scored

9 walks

1 intentional walk

1 hit by pitch

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

16 strikeouts

4 leadoff/first at bat hits


34 left on base

44 putouts

219 innings, 25 games

(24 complete games)

2013 batting average in the leadoff spot while playing left: .330 (36-109) (25 games)


when Michael played left and bat everywhere other than leadoff in 2013, he had a total of 487 plate appearances and 443 at bats in 126 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

121 hits

89 singles

21 doubles

2 triples

9 home runs

60 RBI

8 sac flies

51 runs scored

30 walks

3 hit by pitches

12 stolen bases

3 caught stealing

3 sac bunts

50 strikeouts

37 first at bat hits


186 left on base

213 putouts

11 assists

1 double play

1074.1 innings, 126 games

(119 complete games)

2013 batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .273 (121-443) (126 games)


when Michael played left and bat 2nd in 2013, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 4 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single


2 left on base

1 putout

9 innings, 1 game

(1 complete game)

2013 batting average in the 2nd spot while playing left: .250 (1-4) (1 game)


when Michael played left and bat 3rd in 2013, he had a total of 17 plate appearances and 16 at bats in 5 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

6 hits

5 singles

1 home run

4 RBI

2 runs scored

1 walk

1 caught stealing

1 strikeout

3 first at bat hits


3 left on base

12 putouts

38 innings, 5 games

(4 complete games)

2013 batting average in the 3rd spot while playing left: .375 (6-16) (5 games)


when Michael played left and bat 4th in 2013, he had a total of 50 plate appearances and 46 at bats in 11 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

13 hits

12 singles

1 double

8 RBI

1 sac fly

6 runs scored

2 walks

1 hit by pitch

1 stolen base

3 strikeouts

5 first at bat hits


25 left on base

21 putouts

95 innings, 11 games

(11 complete games)

2013 batting average in the 4th spot while playing left: .283 (13-46) (11 games)


when Michael played left and bat 5th in 2013, he had a total of 253 plate appearances and 228 at bats in 62 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

59 hits

40 singles

12 doubles

1 triple

6 home runs

28 RBI

4 sac flies

26 runs scored

18 walks

1 hit by pitch

5 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

2 sac bunts

28 strikeouts

17 first at bat hits


96 left on base

117 putouts

5 assists

553 innings, 62 games

(62 complete games)

2013 batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .259 (59-228) (62 games)


when Michael played left and bat 6th in 2013, he had a total of 19 plate appearances and 17 at bats in 6 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

4 hits

2 singles

2 doubles

2 runs scored

1 walk

1 hit by pitch

2 first at bat hits


7 left on base

8 putouts

1 assist

46 innings, 6 games

(5 complete games)

2013 batting average in the 6th spot while playing left: .235 (4-17) (6 games)


when Michael played left and bat 7th in 2013, he had a total of 110 plate appearances and 99 at bats in 29 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

23 hits

19 singles

2 doubles

1 triple

1 home run

16 RBI

3 sac flies

10 runs scored

7 walks

4 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

15 strikeouts

4 first at bat hits


42 left on base

45 putouts

5 assists

1 double play

248.1 innings, 29 games

(27 complete games)

2013 batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .232 (23-99) (29 games)


when Michael played left and bat 8th in 2013, he had a total of 33 plate appearances and 33 at bats in 10 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

15 hits

10 singles

4 doubles

1 home run

4 RBI

4 runs scored

2 stolen bases

3 strikeouts

6 first at bat hits


11 left on base

7 putouts

80 innings, 10 games

(9 complete games)

2013 batting average in the 8th spot while playing left: .455 (15-33) (10 games)


when Michael played left and bat 9th in 2013, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 0 at bats in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

1 run scored

1 walk


2 putouts

5 innings, 2 games

2013 batting average in the 9th spot while playing left: .000 (0-0) (2 games)


2013 #s while playing the outfield: 257 putouts, 11 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (1297.1 innings, 151 games)

2013 #s while playing left: 257 putouts, 11 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (1293.1 innings, 151 games)

2013 #s while playing center: 0 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (4 innings, 1 game)



now let's break down his PH numbers.

when Michael came in to PH in 2013, he had a total of 4 plate appearances and 3 at bats in 4 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

2 stolen bases

1 strikeout

1 first at bat hit


1 left on base

2013 batting average as a PH: .333 (1-3) (4 games)


when Michael came in to PH and bat 3rd in 2013, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

0 strikeouts

2013 batting average as a PH in the 3rd spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael came in to PH and bat 7th in 2013, he had a total of 2 plate appearances and 1 at bat in 2 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

1 hit

1 single

1 walk

2 stolen bases

1 first at bat hit

2013 batting average as a PH in the 7th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)


when Michael came in to PH and bat 9th in 2013, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits

1 strikeout


1 left on base

2013 batting average as a PH in the 9th spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)



on deck, Michael's 2013 Postseason October numbers.


Brantley's 2013 Game-by-Game Numbers & Notes blog

Brantley's 2013 Game-by-Game Numbers & Notes

this blog contains all of Michael's game-by-game numbers and notes for 2013. you can see both peaks and valleys throughout his season. he battled through some offensive slumps in June and August, but did well enough in the other months to compensate. a very strong showing in September brought his batting average back up and helped him finish the year on a high note.

Michael played in 151 of 162 games. he had a hit in 99 of 151 games that he played and reached base safely in 116 games. (*and keep in mind he did not have any official at bats in 3 of those games, because he was subbed in defensively in late innings.)

Michael started and played left field in 144 games. of those 144 games, he completed 143 in left field. he was moved to center field for the final 4 innings of 1 game. he was a defensive substitute in 7 games, playing a total of 16 innings, all in left field. he came in to PH in late innings in 4 games. after he PH'd, he remained in those 4 games as the left fielder and played a total of 10 innings. he had 8 complete games off and missed 3 games due to the birth of his baby. and for the first time, he did not have any notable injuries this season.

Michael had a few modest hitting streaks during the year, including a 7-game, 8-game, and 11-game streak. in the 11-game hitting streak, he had 4 straight games with 3 hits and 1 RBI. this streak also occurred right before the season ended, giving Michael the highest batting average (.284) on the team out of all the regulars for the second year in a row. well done once again, Smooth! =D

the biggest accomplishment of his season might have been his defense. Michael's fielding percentage was a perfect 1.000, also best on the team. this helped him achieve a career high and Indians club record of 245 consecutive games in the outfield without an error. he set another career high for himself with 11 assists as well.


my game-by-game numbers and notes for Michael Brantley's 2013 season:


Game 1, April 2: 1-2, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, walk. AVG: .500
(batting 5th/LF/CG)

Game 2, April 3: 4-5, single (first at bat), RBI single, single, single, run scored, reached on forceout. AVG: .714
(5th/LF/CG11)

Game 3, April 4: 1-4, hit by pitch, run scored, single. AVG: .545
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 4, April 5: 0-2, walk. AVG: .462
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 5, April 6: 0-4. AVG: .353
(5th/LF/CG)
 
April 7: not in lineup.

Game 6, April 8: 1-5, RBI single (first at bat). AVG: .318
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 7, April 9: 0-3, walk. AVG: .280
(6th/LF/CG)

April 10: game postponed, to be made up in a May 13 DH.
(5th/LF/CG)

April 11: game postponed, to be made up in a May 13 DH.
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 8, April 12: 1-3, double (first at bat). AVG: .286
(6th/LF/CG)

Game 9, April 13: 0-3, hit by pitch, run scored. AVG: .258
(6th/LF/CG)

Game 10, April 14: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .257
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 11, April 16: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .282
(6th/LF/CG)

Game 12, April 17: 0-3, walk. AVG: .262
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^i guess Tito decided to give Michael a shot at leading off again because Bourn is on the 15-day DL with a finger laceration. i definitely don't expect him to lead off again once Bourn comes back.^^

Game 13, April 18: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .261
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 14, April 19: 0-4, walk. AVG: .240
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 15, April 20: 2-6, 2-run double, RBI walk, run scored, single. AVG: .250
(leadoff/LF - 5 i/CF - 4 i)

Game 16, April 21: 1-5, single. AVG: .246
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 17, April 22: 1-3, single, caught stealing, walk, run scored. AVG: .250
(leadoff/LF/CG)

April 23: game postponed.

Game 18, April 24: 2-4, single, single, run scored. AVG: .265
(leadoff/LF/CG)

April 26: game postponed, to be made up April 28.
(leadoff/LF)

Game 19, April 27: 2-5, double, 2-run triple. AVG: .274
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 20, April 28 (Day Game): 0-4. AVG: .260
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 21, April 28 (Night Game): 2-4, single (first at bat), run scored, hit by pitch, single, run scored. AVG: .272
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 22, April 29: 3-5, double, run scored, double, run scored, single. AVG: .291
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 23, April 30: 1-5, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .286
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 24, May 1: 3-5, single, run scored, single, single. AVG: .302
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 25, May 3: 1-4, single, run scored, intentional walk. AVG: .300
(leadoff/LF/CG10)

Game 26, May 4: 1-5, RBI single. AVG: .295
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 27, May 5: 0-4. AVG: .284
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 28, May 6: 2-5, single, single, stolen base. AVG: .289
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 29, May 7: did not start, defensive substitution for 9th inning. no ABs.
(8th/LF/1 inning)

Game 30, May 8: 2-4, single (first at bat), fielder’s choice RBI, single, stolen base. AVG: .297
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 31, May 9: 2-5, single (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .301
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^Michael Bourn is scheduled to come back tomorrow, and Brantley won't be leading off anymore.^^

Game 32, May 10: 0-2, RBI sac fly. AVG: .296
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 33, May 11: 2-5, double, single. AVG: .300
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 34, May 12: 2-4, single, run scored, walk, RBI single. AVG: .306
(leadoff/LF/CG10)

Game 35, May 13 (first game): 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on forceout. AVG: .307
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 36, May 13 (second game): 1-4, single. AVG: .305
(2nd/LF/CG)

Game 37, May 14: 1-4, 2-run single (first at bat). AVG: .303
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 38, May 15: 0-0, walk (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .303
(9th/LF/3 innings)
^^did not start, defensive substitution for 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. no official ABs.^^

Game 39, May 17: 0-4. AVG: .295
(8th/LF/CG10)

Game 40, May 18: did not start, defensive substitution for 8th and 9th innings. no ABs.
(6th/LF/2 innings)

Game 41, May 19: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), run scored, 3-run home run, run scored. AVG: .301
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 42, May 20: 2-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single, single, run scored. AVG: .306
(7th/LF/CG10)

Game 43, May 21: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .300
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 44, May 22: 3-5, RBI single (first at bat), RBI single, run scored, RBI single. AVG: .309
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 45, May 23: 1-5, walk, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .306
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 46, May 24: 2-3, single (first at bat), stolen base, double. AVG: .312
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 47, May 25: 2-4, single (first at bat), double. AVG: .316
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 48, May 26: 0-4. AVG: .309
(7th/LF/8.2 innings)

Game 49, May 27: 0-3. AVG: .304
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 50, May 28: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .303
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 51, May 29: 0-3. AVG: .298
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 52, May 30: 1-3, RBI single, stolen base, run scored, walk. AVG: .299
(7th/LF/CG)

May 31: not in lineup.

Game 53, June 1: 0-3, walk. AVG: .294
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 54, June 2: 2-4, single (first at bat), single. AVG: .299
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 55, June 3: 0-1, walk (first at bat). AVG: .297
(7th/PH-LF/4 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the top of the 5th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the bottom of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. he had 1 other official at bat during that time.^^

Game 56, June 4: 1-3, walk, caught stealing, single. AVG: .298
(3rd/LF/CG)

Game 57, June 5: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .297
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 58, June 7: 0-4. AVG: .291
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 59, June 8: 0-4. AVG: .286
(4th/LF/CG)

June 9: not in lineup.

Game 60, June 10: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .285
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 61, June 11: 1-3, walk, stolen base, single. AVG: .286
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 62, June 12: 2-4, single (first at bat), RBI single, walk, run scored. AVG: .289
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 63, June 14: 0-4. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 64, June 15: 1-4, 2-run double. AVG: .284
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 65, June 16: 0-3. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 66, June 17: 0-4. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 67, June 18: 0-3, reached on forceout, RBI sac fly. AVG: .272
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 68, June 19: 2-3, home run, run scored, RBI sac fly, home run, run scored. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 69, June 21: 1-4, double (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 70, June 22: 0-5, reached on forceout. AVG: .271
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 71, June 23: 1-1, single (first at bat), stolen base, stolen base. AVG: .274
(7th/PH-LF/1 inning)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the top of the 9th inning.^^

Game 72, June 24: 2-4, 2-run single, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .278
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 73, June 25: 0-3, RBI sac fly (first at bat). AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 74, June 26: 0-3, walk, run scored. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 75, June 27: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .271
(6th/LF/CG)

June 28 (Game 1): not in lineup.

Game 76, June 28 (Game 2): 0-3, RBI sac fly (first at bat). AVG: .268
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 77, June 29: 2-4, single (first at bat), single, stolen base. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 78, June 30: 2-4, single, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .275
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 79, July 2: 1-3, walk (first at bat), run scored, walk, single. AVG: .275
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 80, July 3: 0-4. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 81, July 4: 4-5, RBI single (first at bat), single, single, run scored, single. AVG: .280
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 82, July 5: 0-3, reached on forceout, reached on forceout, walk. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 83, July 6: 0-4. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 84, July 7: 3-4, 2-run double (first at bat), run scored, home run, run scored, 2-run home run, run scored. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 85, July 8: 2-3, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, walk, walk, single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG10)

Game 86, July 9: 1-3, RBI single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 87, July 10: 1-4, walk (first at bat), run scored, RBI single. AVG: .284
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 88, July 11: 1-3, single (first at bat), hit by pitch, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .284
(4th/LF/CG)

Game 89, July 12: 0-4. AVG: .281
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 90, July 13: 1-4, double, run scored. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 91, July 14: 1-5, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 92, July 19: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 93, July 20: 0-3, sac bunt. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 94, July 21: 1-4, reached on fielder's choice, 3-run triple. AVG: .277
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 95, July 22: 1-4, double. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 96, July 23: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

July 24: not in lineup.

Game 97, July 26: 3-4, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, run scored, single, single. AVG: .282
(7th/LF/CG11)

Game 98, July 27: 1-3, double, stolen base. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 99, July 28: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 100, July 29: 0-1. AVG: .282
(9th/PH-LF/2 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 7th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the top of the 8th and 9th innings.^^

Game 101, July 30: 0-3, walk, run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 102, July 31: 3-4, single (first at bat), RBI double, double, run scored. AVG: .285
(7th/LF/CG10)

Game 103, August 1: 0-4. AVG: .282
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 104, August 2: 0-3. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 105, August 3: 0-4. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 106, August 4: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 107, August 5: 2-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 108, August 6: 1-3, single (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 109, August 7: 3-5, walk (first at bat), double, single, caught stealing, double, run scored. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG14)

Game 110, August 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 111, August 9: 1-4, home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)

August 10: not in lineup.

Game 112, August 11: 1-4, double. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 7-game hitting streak ends.^^

Game 113, August 12: 0-3. AVG: .280
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 114, August 13: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 115, August 14: 2-5, RBI single, RBI single, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .281
(5th/LF/CG12)

Game 116, August 16: 2-4, single (first at bat), walk, single. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 117, August 17: 2-3, walk (first at bat), double, double, run scored. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 118, August 18: 0-2, walk, sac bunt. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 119, August 19: 0-4, walk. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael set a new club record once this game was completed, going 213 consecutive games without committing an error in the outfield.^^

Game 120, August 20: 0-6, reached on forceout. AVG: .278
(7th/LF/CG14)

Game 121, August 21: 0-4. AVG: .275
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 122, August 23: 0-3, walk. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 123, August 24: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 124, August 25: 0-4. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 125, August 27: 1-4, single, stolen base. AVG: .271
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 126, August 28: 2-4, single, stolen base, single. AVG: .273
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 127, August 29: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 128, August 30: 1-2, single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG7)

Game 129, August 31: 1-4, triple. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 130, September 1: 1-3, single, stolen base, walk, run scored. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 131, September 2: 3-4, single (first at bat), single, double. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 132, September 3: 1-3, sac bunt, double, run scored. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 8-game hitting streak ends.^^

September 4: not in lineup.

September 6: late scratch, headed to FL for birth of his baby.
(5th/LF)

September 7: still in Florida.

September 8: baby born last night, expected back tomorrow.

Game 133, September 9: 0-3. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 134, September 10: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), single. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 135, September 11: 1-4, 2-run single. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

September 12: not in lineup.

Game 136, September 13: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 137, September 14: 0-5. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 138, September 15: 0-2. AVG: .272
(3rd/PH-LF/3 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the top of the 7th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the bottom of the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. he had 1 other official at bat during that time.^^

Game 139, September 16: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 140, September 17: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 141, September 18: 2-3, double (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .276
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 142, September 19: 1-4, single, walk, caught stealing. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG11)

Game 143, September 20: 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on force attempt/fielding error. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG7)

Game 144, September 21: 1-4, 2-run home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 145, September 22: 3-4, single (first at bat), RBI single, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .280
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 146, September 24: 3-4, RBI single (first at bat), home run, run scored, single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .283
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 147, September 25: 3-5, single (first at bat), RBI single, stolen base, double, run scored. AVG: .286
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 148, September 26: 3-5, single, RBI single, RBI single. AVG: .289
(leadoff/LF/CF)

Game 149, September 27: 1-5, single, walk. AVG: .288
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 11-game hitting streak ends.^^

Game 150, September 28: 0-4. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 151, September 29: 0-4. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)


**Michael Brantley finishes the 2013 season with a batting average of .284**


in 2013, Michael had a total of 611 plate appearances and 556 at bats in 151 games (1297.1 innings). in total, he had 158 hits, 119 singles, 26 doubles, 3 triples, 10 home runs, 73 RBI, 8 sac flies, 66 runs scored, 40 walks, 1 intentional walk, 4 hit by pitches, 17 stolen bases, 4 caught stealing, 3 sac bunts, 67 strikeouts, 42 first at bat hits, 222 left on base, 257 putouts, 11 assists, and 1 double play.

2013 batting average: .284 (158-556)

OBP: .332

SLG: .396

OPS: .728


next up: a blog breaking down Michael's #s according to where he hit in the lineup.

Brantley's 2013 Second Half #s

time for another quick (haha) blog grouping Michael's second half numbers together. the second half of the 2013 season consisted of 67 games for the Tribe. so as i said in my first half blog, it's not really "half" at all, but it is widely accepted to refer to pre- and post-All Star Break numbers as the first half and second half. also just like last time, i am not going to do batting order position break downs here, but i will list all his game-by-game numbers post-break.

Michael's batting average in the second half was .291. i'm glad that he improved from his first half batting average of .279. his September hot streak definitely helped make that happen. and just for comparison's sake, let me add that last year he hit .288 both before and after the break, branding him as the epitome of consistency. that wasn't entirely the case this season, but his numbers were still good nonetheless.

as is generally expected when someone plays less games, Michael did not exceed his first half numbers in many categories. in fact, only his triples went up. he recorded 2 three-baggers after the break versus 1 before. his doubles were even at 13 in each half. and he also had his first, second, and third sac bunts of the season in the second half.

Michael had a hit in 41 of the 60 games he played in after the break and he reached base safely in 45 games.

post-break, Michael hit .388 (19-for-49) with runners in scoring position and .320 (8-for-25) with 2 outs and runners in scoring position. the former number is an increase from the first half, while the latter is a decrease.

Michael only played in left field in the second half and his fielding percentage remained a perfect 1.000. he tallied 114 putouts and 3 outfield assists. he also recorded 60 more straight games in the outfield without an error, bringing his total up to 245 consecutive games and setting a new club record.


2nd Half batting average: .291

OBP: .331

SLG: .408

OPS: .739


Michael played in 60 (of 67) games. he started and played a complete game in left field in 58 games. he came in to PH in late innings in 2 games. after he PH'd, he remained in those 2 games as the left fielder and played a total of 5 innings. he missed 3 games due to the birth of his baby and had 4 complete games off. he did not play any center field in the second half.


Michael bat 5th in 39 games.

Michael bat 7th in 13 games.

Michael bat 9th in 1 game. (PH/defensive sub: 2 innings)

Michael bat 3rd in 1 game. (PH/defensive sub: 3 innings)

Michael bat 8th in 3 games.

Michael bat leadoff in 3 games. (Bourn out with wrist injury)

Michael bat non-leadoff in 57 games. (2 PH/defensive subs: 5 innings)

**Michael started all games (in left field) except where noted.


Michael played left field in 60 games, for a total of 527.2 innings.

Michael played in 58 complete games.

Michael was the PH in 2 games.

Michael was the defensive substitute in 2 games, for a total of 5 innings.



in the second half, Michael had a total of 242 plate appearances and 223 at bats. here is how he fared:

65 hits

47 singles

13 doubles

2 triples

3 home runs

25 RBI

2 sac flies

20 runs scored

14 walks

7 stolen bases

2 caught stealing

3 sac bunts

25 strikeouts

17 first at bat hits


89 left on base

114 putouts

3 assists

527.2 innings, 60 games

2nd Half batting average: .291 (65-223) (60 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Game 92/Game 1, July 19: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 93/Game 2, July 20: 0-3, sac bunt. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 94/Game 3, July 21: 1-4, reached on fielder's choice, 3-run triple. AVG: .277
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 95/Game 4, July 22: 1-4, double. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 96/Game 5, July 23: 1-3, walk, single. AVG: .277
(5th/LF/CG)

July 24: not in lineup.

Game 97/Game 6, July 26: 3-4, single (first at bat), run scored, walk, run scored, single, single. AVG: .282
(7th/LF/CG11)

Game 98/Game 7, July 27: 1-3, double, stolen base. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 99/Game 8, July 28: 1-4, single, run scored. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 100/Game 9, July 29: 0-1. AVG: .282
(9th/PH-LF/2 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the bottom of the 7th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the top of the 8th and 9th innings.^^

Game 101/Game 10, July 30: 0-3, walk, run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 102/Game 11, July 31: 3-4, single (first at bat), RBI double, double, run scored. AVG: .285
(7th/LF/CG10)

Game 103/Game 12, August 1: 0-4. AVG: .282
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 104/Game 13, August 2: 0-3. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 105/Game 14, August 3: 0-4. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 106/Game 15, August 4: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 107/Game 16, August 5: 2-4, single (first at bat), stolen base, run scored, single, run scored. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 108/Game 17, August 6: 1-3, single (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .279
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 109/Game 18, August 7: 3-5, walk (first at bat), double, single, caught stealing, double, run scored. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG14)

Game 110/Game 19, August 8: 1-4, single. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 111/Game 20, August 9: 1-4, home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)

August 10: not in lineup.

Game 112/Game 21, August 11: 1-4, double. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 7-game hitting streak ends.^^

Game 113/Game 22, August 12: 0-3. AVG: .280
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 114/Game 23, August 13: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .280
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 115/Game 24, August 14: 2-5, RBI single, RBI single, run scored, RBI sac fly. AVG: .281
(5th/LF/CG12)

Game 116/Game 25, August 16: 2-4, single (first at bat), walk, single. AVG: .283
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 117/Game 26, August 17: 2-3, walk (first at bat), double, double, run scored. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 118/Game 27, August 18: 0-2, walk, sac bunt. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 119/Game 28, August 19: 0-4, walk. AVG: .282
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael set a new club record once this game was completed, going 213 consecutive games without committing an error in the outfield.^^

Game 120/Game 29, August 20: 0-6, reached on forceout. AVG: .278
(7th/LF/CG14)

Game 121/Game 30, August 21: 0-4. AVG: .275
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 122/Game 31, August 23: 0-3, walk. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 123/Game 32, August 24: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 124/Game 33, August 25: 0-4. AVG: .271
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 125/Game 34, August 27: 1-4, single, stolen base. AVG: .271
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 126/Game 35, August 28: 2-4, single, stolen base, single. AVG: .273
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 127/Game 36, August 29: 1-4, single (first at bat). AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 128/Game 37, August 30: 1-2, single (first at bat), walk. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG7)

Game 129/Game 38, August 31: 1-4, triple. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 130/Game 39, September 1: 1-3, single, stolen base, walk, run scored. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 131/Game 40, September 2: 3-4, single (first at bat), single, double. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 132/Game 41, September 3: 1-3, sac bunt, double, run scored. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 8-game hitting streak ends.^^

September 4: not in lineup.

September 6: late scratch, headed to FL for birth of his baby.
(5th/LF)

September 7: still in Florida.

September 8: baby born last night, expected back tomorrow.

Game 133/Game 42, September 9: 0-3. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 134/Game 43, September 10: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), single. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 135/Game 44, September 11: 1-4, 2-run single. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

September 12: not in lineup.

Game 136/Game 45, September 13: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 137/Game 46, September 14: 0-5. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 138/Game 47, September 15: 0-2. AVG: .272
(3rd/PH-LF/3 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the top of the 7th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the bottom of the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. he had 1 other official at bat during that time.^^

Game 139/Game 48, September 16: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 140/Game 49, September 17: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 141/Game 50, September 18: 2-3, double (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .276
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 142/Game 51, September 19: 1-4, single, walk, caught stealing. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG11)

Game 143/Game 52, September 20: 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on force attempt/fielding error. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG7)

Game 144/Game 53, September 21: 1-4, 2-run home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 145/Game 54, September 22: 3-4, single (first at bat), RBI single, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .280
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 146/Game 55, September 24: 3-4, RBI single (first at bat), home run, run scored, single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .283
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 147/Game 56, September 25: 3-5, single (first at bat), RBI single, stolen base, double, run scored. AVG: .286
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 148/Game 57, September 26: 3-5, single, RBI single, RBI single. AVG: .289
(leadoff/LF/CF)

Game 149/Game 58, September 27: 1-5, single, walk. AVG: .288
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^Michael’s 11-game hitting streak ends.^^

Game 150/Game 59, September 28: 0-4. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 151/Game 60, September 29: 0-4. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)


Brantley's 2013 First Half #s

Brantley's September 2013 #s

knowing how the last 2 seasons have ended for Michael, i desperately wanted the end of 2013 to be different. i didn't want him to miss any unnecessary games, and i wanted him to finish the year out strong. when he started September on a 5-game hitting streak and extended that to 8 games, i felt fairly confident that i would get my wish. however, soon after this, he was inconsistently up-and-down again and the doubts crept in. he left the team for 3 days for the birth of his child in Florida and when he came back, he looked very lost at the plate. his momentum and focus were gone and i feared the worst as i watched his numbers go down.

thankfully, Michael's troubles didn't last long. something started to click for him around September 16 and he became almost unstoppable. Michael got insanely hot and went on an 11-game hitting streak. he worked very hard to get his batting average up from .273 to .284 this month and he annihilated his .233 August batting average with his American League 3rd best .345 September batting average. yes, Michael ended this year going 0-for-11, but he did well enough during his hitting streak to finish with a more respectable batting average and on base percentage. Michael got back to where i thought he should have been all along, set new career highs in home runs and RBI for himself, and accomplished some things that haven't been done with the Tribe in over half a century.

unfortunately for me and my blog break downs, Michael once again bat in several different spots in the lineup this month. he had been batting 5th against righties and 7th against lefties regularly, but at some point Tito started batting him 8th against lefties and put Gomes ahead of him. Michael also came in to pinch hit one game in the 3 hole. something that actually thrilled me, on the other hand, was that when Bourn had a wrist issue and was out for a few games towards the end of the month, Michael was back to leading off regardless of the opposition's starting pitcher.

"Michael's hit everywhere in our order," Francona said on September 27. "i don't think he's hit ninth. he's hit everywhere--probably one through eight. that's been the luxury of him. we can hit him everywhere and it allows us to keep everybody else right where they are. he may not enjoy it, but he handles it. he's hit eighth against some lefties. he's hit first. he's hit fifth more often than not, just because he's such good protection for those guys in the middle. he's a professional. he can hit anywhere. he's just a good hitter."

that is some high praise, but i have to correct Francona. anyone who's been following my blogs knows that Michael has in fact hit 9th. he hasn't started 9th, but he has hit there before. he was subbed into one game as a left fielder and then went up to bat in the 9 hole. furthermore, Michael pinch hit for a pitcher in that 9th spot one time this season during a game in a National League park. i also think it's telling that Francona finally hinted at Michael not exactly being pleased about the constant BOP movement. i've said that many times before. everyone is just lucky that the batting order doesn't seem to phase Michael. although, if he'd been worse at it, maybe he'd end up with a more stable spot in the lineup...

on September 27, Michael was asked if he liked leading off. he smiled and said, "it doesn't make a difference. i just want to do the best i can for my team in any situation. the game of baseball is so tricky. the game of baseball throws you so many curves that you've just got to be ready to handle anything." his smile tells me everything i already knew, and that is yes, he would much rather be the leadoff man because that's what he was in the minors and that's the player the Indians told him he was being groomed to become.

when asked about his approach when leading off, Michael said he doesn't approach anything differently. "after the first AB, no. the first AB, the object of the game is to get on base. after that, the game dictates how everything else is going to play out--whether you're going to drive somebody in, or whether you have to get back on base again for your teammates."

Michael had a hit in 16 of the 22 games he played in in September and reached base safely in 16 games, 11 straight during the streak. throughout Michael's 11-game hitting streak from September 11-27, he bat .467 (21-for-45) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, 10 RBI, 6 runs scored, 2 walks and 2 stolen bases. "the balls that i'm hitting hard are finding holes," he said of his hot streak. "and the balls i'm hitting okay are still finding a hole. it's just good placement, along with good hitting. any time that happens, it's going to be successful for anybody."

his hot streak this month helped push Michael back to finishing the season with the highest batting average on the team, beating out Kipnis by a mere 5 ten thousandths of a point. Michael hit .375 (45-for-120) with runners in scoring position, good for the 3rd highest batting average in the American League. he also hit .364 (24-for-66) with two outs and runners in scoring position. as was the case last month, both of these RISP numbers were the highest on the Tribe. additionally, Michael ended the year hitting .338 (27-for-80) in a 1-2 count. he more than lived up to his "Clutch" moniker.

also of note is that Michael ended 2013 batting .276 (48-for-174) against lefties and .288 (110-for-382) against righties, both very good numbers for a left-handed hitter. "i've never worried whether the pitcher's right-handed or left-handed," he said. "as soon as you do that, you're in trouble. the pitcher's got to throw it over the white part of the plate, regardless."

now i want to get into the big events of the month. on September 6, Michael was a late scratch and news broke that his wife was going into labor. i was aware of her pregnancy, but when i saw her on July 27, she didn't look anywhere near ready to pop. so i was completely taken aback that Michael would have to miss time during the season and i was upset about it. prior to this day, he had just been getting on track and was on an 8-game hitting streak. it looked like things were coming around for him and he was back to his old self. he missed 3 games for the birth, the entire NY Mets series, which angered me because so many players were getting lots of hits off the Mets' pitchers and i kept thinking about how Michael's batting average and hitting streak could have grown had he been here.

another thing that i did not care for at all is how his wife was in Florida giving birth. if she stayed in Ohio, he probably could have at least played one game, if not two, in the series. don't get me started on that. i know people will disagree with me about this but i really don't care because where it concerns Michael, i get heated. i don't want him missing any time that could have been prevented, and this little paternity leave resulted in the least amount of games he played in any month this season (none due to injury).

and because the baby was born in Florida, it was safe to assume that his wife and newborn would be staying there for the duration of this season. therefore, i figured Michael would be sad about that, and maybe somewhat distracted. case in point, when he came back on September 9, he reverted back to his struggling ways of August. he wasn't working many counts and some of his at bats looked atrocious. he was playing way below his ability. it appeared as though he just wanted every one of his at bats to be over with as quickly as possible so he could get closer to the end of the season and reunite with his family. his mind seemed everywhere except on baseball and it was so upsetting to me. i won't accuse him of quitting, he was just obviously distracted. "you are not the first baseball player to have a baby and then have to go back to work. figure it out!" i screamed to myself. luckily, he soon did.

on September 11, Michael set a new career high in RBI by recording his 61st and 62nd RBI. it was questionable if he would pass his RBI total from last season because of his offensive struggles from the previous month as well as his ups and downs to start September. but not only did he pass his total, he crushed it, finishing with 73 runs batted in. considering some of his new teammates' abilities to get on base frequently, along with him being almost automatic at the plate with runners in scoring position, it should have been inevitable that he would reach more than 60 this season, and his hot streak to end the year really helped him out there.

on September 13, Michael recorded his 57th strikeout of the year, officially giving him a higher strikeout total in 2013 than 2012. after that, he continued adding to his strikeout total. i was really hoping he could keep his strikeout number around 50 for the year. i know that's incredibly hard to do, even when you are a good contact hitter like Michael. but seeing that did make me a little sad. his BB:SO ratio isn't quite where i would have liked it to be either (and i will discuss that further--and more--in a future wrap up blog). however, his strikeout total is still way lower than most of the other guys on the team so that has to count for something.

on September 21, Michael hit his 9th home run of the season, adding to his career high HR total. then on September 24, he hit his 10th home run of the season, a 410-footer to deep right at Progressive Field. these 2 home runs took place within a span of 4 days and just 3 games. it was also revealed on September 24 that Michael was playing through a head cold. "Tribe fans wouldn't have it if i called off sick, now would they?'" Michael said with a chuckle. "i'm good to go." i'll say he was lol

on September 26, Michael recorded his 4th straight 3-hit game. this streak began once he started using a bat from Carlos Santana. oddly enough, once that bat broke, the streak and his multi-hit games ended lol of course, he would give no credit to the bat. "absolutely not," Michael laughed. "i just picked it up. it felt good in my hands. it was just sitting there. so i started swinging it and i said, 'oh, that feels good, i'll start using it.' sometimes you've just got to try it out. every now and then you need a change."

Michael's 2+ hits and 1+ RBI in 4 straight games is a career best streak for him. it's also the longest streak by an Indians hitter since Ryan Garko had 5 in a row in July 2007. no Cleveland hitter has had 3+ hits in 4 straight games since Kenny Lofton did it in 1995. Michael's streak of 4 straight games with at least 3 hits and 1 RBI is only the 4th by an Indians hitter (dating back to 1916) and ties a club record. no one else has done it since Minnie Minoso in 1959. the previous 2 Indians to accomplish this are Ken Keltner in 1939 and Joe Vosmik in 1935.

Michael is only the second player in the major leagues to have 3 hits and at least 1 RBI in 4 straight games this season. the first to do it was New York Yankee Alfonso Soriano from August 13-16. Michael is now the 5th major league player to have 4 straight games of 3+ hits and 1+ RBI since 2000. besides Soriano, the others are Magglio Ordonez and Cody Ross both in 2008, and Johnny Damon in 2006. the major league record (since 1916) is 5 straight games of 3+ hits and 1+ RBI, dating back to 1936 and held by Gee Walker.

add another month of errorless defense in left field to Michael's resume, and that keeps his fielding percentage at a perfect 1.000 for the season, highest on the team out of the regular players. he recorded 38 putouts in September, but no more outfield assists. i think that's because less players are attempting to run on him. word is finally spreading around the league that he has a great arm and guys don't want to chance being thrown out by him. #respect

Michael also stretched his career high and club record to 245 consecutive games in the outfield without an error. i have faith that this number will continue to increase next season. make it untouchable, Michael! among left fielders with at least 70 starts, Michael is now the only player with zero errors, because Kansas City's Alex Gordon and Baltimore's Nate McLouth finally recorded 1 error each in September. there are only 4 outfielders in the majors with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and of those 4, Michael has the most assists.

Michael's 11 assists for the season are a career high and the 3rd most for left fielders in the American League. Alex Gordon finished with 17 and Chicago's Dayan Viciedo had 12. Gordon actually topped all AL outfielders with his assists, and finishes as the major league leader. same as last month, Michael's 11 assists are the most by an Indians outfielder since Shin-Soo Choo recorded 14 in 2010. in addition, he remains tied in the Tribe record books with Albert Belle, who had 11 assists in 1996, for the most assists in one season by an Indians left fielder.



now let's break down the numbers. i am going to document his September #s, the 5th spot #s, the 7th spot #s, the PH #s, the 3rd spot #s, the 8th spot #s, the #s of everything not leadoff combined, the leadoff #s, as well as the left field #s, overall left field #s, and overall outfield #s.


September batting average: .345 (3rd highest in the AL)

OBP: .364

SLG: .464

OPS: .828


Michael played in 22 (of 27) games in September. he started and played left field in 21 games and he came in to PH in late innings in 1 game. after he PH'd, he remained in that game as the left fielder and played a total of 3 innings in left field. he also had an additional plate appearance and at bat in the game that he did not start. he missed 3 games due to the birth of his child, had 2 complete games off, and did not play any center field this month.


Michael bat 5th in 11 games.

Michael bat 7th in 4 games.

Michael bat 3rd in 1 game. (PH/defensive sub: 3 innings)

Michael bat 8th in 3 games.

Michael bat leadoff in 3 games. (Bourn out with wrist injury.)


Michael played left field in all 22 games.

Michael was the PH in 1 game.

Michael played in 21 complete games.


in September, Michael had a total of 89 plate appearances and 84 at bats. here is how he fared:

29 hits

23 singles

4 doubles

2 home runs

14 RBI

1 sac fly

8 runs scored

3 walks

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

14 strikeouts

9 first at bat hits


33 left on base

38 putouts

190 innings, 22 games

September batting average: .345 (29-84) (22 games)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he hit in the lineup.


when Michael bat 5th in September, he had a total of 44 plate appearances and 42 at bats in 11 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

12 hits

9 singles

2 doubles

1 home run

6 RBI

3 runs scored

1 walk

1 stolen base

1 sac bunt

8 strikeouts

4 first at bat hits


18 left on base

24 putouts

98 innings, 11 games

September batting average in the 5th spot: .286 (12-42) (11 games)
September batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .286 (12-42) (11 games)


overall batting average in the 5th spot: .259 (59-228) (62 games) (553 innings)
overall batting average in the 5th spot while playing left: .259 (59-228) (62 games) (553 innings)


when Michael bat 7th in September, he had a total of 16 plate appearances and 14 at bats in 4 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

2 hits

2 singles

1 RBI

1 sac fly

1 walk

1 caught stealing

4 strikeouts

1 first at bat hit


10 left on base

1 putout

36 innings, 4 games

September batting average in the 7th spot: .143 (2-14) (4 games)
September batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .143 (2-14) (4 games)

overall batting average in the 7th spot: .240 (24-100) (29 games) (248.1 innings)
overall batting average in the 7th spot while playing left: .232 (23-99) (29 games) (248.1 innings)
overall batting average as a PH in the 7th spot: 1.000 (1-1) (2 games)


when Michael bat 3rd in September, he had a total of 2 plate appearances and 2 at bats in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits


3 putouts

3 innings, 1 game

September batting average in the 3rd spot: .000 (0-2) (1 game)
September batting average in the 3rd spot while playing left: .000 (0-1) (1 game)

overall batting average in the 3rd spot: .353 (6-17) (5 games) (38 innings)
overall batting average in the 3rd spot while playing left: .375 (6-16) (5 games) (38 innings)


when Michael bat 3rd, he was the PH in September for 1 game. he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits


1 game

September batting average as a PH in the 3rd spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)

overall batting average as a PH in the 3rd spot: .000 (0-1) (1 game)


when Michael came in to PH in September, he had a total of 1 plate appearance and 1 at bat in 1 game. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

0 hits


1 game

September batting average as a PH: .000 (0-1) (1 game)

overall batting average as a PH: .333 (1-3) (4 games)


when Michael bat 8th in September, he had a total of 11 plate appearances and 11 at bats in 3 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

8 hits

6 singles

1 double

1 home run

4 RBI

4 runs scored

1 stolen base

1 strikeout

3 first at bat hits


2 left on base

4 putouts

26 innings, 3 games

September batting average in the 8th spot: .727 (8-11) (3 games)
September batting average in the 8th spot while playing left: .727 (8-11) (3 games)

overall batting average in the 8th spot: .455 (15-33) (10 games) (80 innings)
overall batting average in the 8th spot while playing left: .455 (15-33) (10 games) (80 innings)


when Michael was not leading off in September, he had a total of 73 plate appearances and 69 at bats in 19 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

22 hits

17 singles

3 doubles

2 home runs

11 RBI

1 sac fly

7 runs scored

2 walks

2 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

13 strikeouts

8 first at bat hits


30 left on base

32 putouts

163 innings, 19 games

September batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .319 (22-69) (19 games)
September batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .324 (22-68) (19 games)

overall batting average everywhere other than leadoff: .274 (122-446) (126 games) (1074.1 innings)
overall batting average everywhere other than leadoff while playing left: .273 (121-443) (126 games) (1074.1 innings)


when Michael led off in September, he had a total of 16 plate appearances and 15 at bats in 3 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

7 hits

6 singles

1 double

3 RBI

1 run scored

1 walk

1 stolen base

1 strikeout

1 leadoff/first at bat hit


3 left on base

6 putouts

27 innings, 3 games

September batting average in the leadoff spot: .467 (7-15) (3 games)
September batting average in the leadoff spot while playing left: .467 (7-15) (3 games)

overall batting average in the leadoff spot: .327 (36-110) (25 games) (223 innings)
overall batting average in the leadoff spot while playing left: .330 (36-109) (25 games) (219 innings)
overall batting average in the leadoff spot while playing center: .000 (0-1) (1 game) (4 innings)


now let's break down his numbers based on where he played in the outfield.


when Michael played left in September, he had a total of 88 plate appearances and 83 at bats in 22 games. breaking down the numbers are as follows:

29 hits

23 singles

4 doubles

2 home runs

14 RBI

1 sac fly

8 runs scored

3 walks

3 stolen bases

1 caught stealing

1 sac bunt

14 strikeouts

9 first at bat hits


33 left on base

38 putouts

190 innings, 22 games

(21 complete games)

September batting average while playing left: .349 (29-83) (22 games)

overall batting average while playing left: .284 (157-552) (151 games) (1293.1 innings)



September #s while playing left: 38 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (190 innings, 22 games)

overall #s while playing left: 257 putouts, 11 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (1293.1 innings, 151 games)

overall #s while playing center: 0 putouts, 0 assists, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (4 innings, 1 game)

overall #s while playing the outfield: 257 putouts, 11 assists, 1 double play, 0 errors, 1.000 fielding percentage (1297.1 innings, 151 games)



now my game-by-game numbers and notes.

Michael started the month on a 5-game hitting streak.

Game 130/Game 1, September 1: 1-3, single, stolen base, walk, run scored. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 131/Game 2, September 2: 3-4, single (first at bat), single, double. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 132/Game 3, September 3: 1-3, sac bunt, double, run scored. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 8-game hitting streak ends.^^

September 4: not in lineup.

September 6: late scratch, headed to FL for birth of his baby.
(5th/LF)

September 7: still in Florida.

September 8: baby born last night, expected back tomorrow.

Game 133/Game 4, September 9: 0-3. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 134/Game 5, September 10: 2-4, RBI single (first at bat), single. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 135/Game 6, September 11: 1-4, 2-run single. AVG: .278
(5th/LF/CG)

September 12: not in lineup.

Game 136/Game 7, September 13: 0-3, RBI sac fly. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG)

Game 137/Game 8, September 14: 0-5. AVG: .273
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 138/Game 9, September 15: 0-2. AVG: .272
(3rd/PH-LF/3 innings)
^^Michael did not start this game, but came in to pinch hit in the top of the 7th inning. then he stayed in the game as a defensive substitution for the bottom of the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings. he had 1 other official at bat during that time.^^

Game 139/Game 10, September 16: 2-4, single, single. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 140/Game 11, September 17: 1-4, RBI single. AVG: .274
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 141/Game 12, September 18: 2-3, double (first at bat), run scored, single. AVG: .276
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 142/Game 13, September 19: 1-4, single, walk, caught stealing. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG11)

Game 143/Game 14, September 20: 1-3, single (first at bat), reached on force attempt/fielding error. AVG: .276
(7th/LF/CG7)

Game 144/Game 15, September 21: 1-4, 2-run home run (first at bat), run scored. AVG: .276
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 145/Game 16, September 22: 3-4, single (first at bat), RBI single, RBI single, run scored. AVG: .280
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 146/Game 17, September 24: 3-4, RBI single (first at bat), home run, run scored, single, stolen base, run scored. AVG: .283
(8th/LF/CG)

Game 147/Game 18, September 25: 3-5, single (first at bat), RBI single, stolen base, double, run scored. AVG: .286
(leadoff/LF/CG)

Game 148/Game 19, September 26: 3-5, single, RBI single, RBI single. AVG: .289
(leadoff/LF/CF)

Game 149/Game 20, September 27: 1-5, single, walk. AVG: .288
(leadoff/LF/CG)
^^Michael's 11-game hitting streak ends.^^

Game 150/Game 21, September 28: 0-4. AVG: .286
(5th/LF/CG)

Game 151/Game 22, September 29: 0-4. AVG: .284
(7th/LF/CG)



in 2013, Michael had a total of 611 plate appearances and 556 at bats in 151 games (1297.1 innings). in total, he had 158 hits, 119 singles, 26 doubles, 3 triples, 10 home runs, 73 RBI, 8 sac flies, 66 runs scored, 40 walks, 1 intentional walk, 4 hit by pitches, 17 stolen bases, 4 caught stealing, 3 sac bunts, 67 strikeouts, 42 first at bat hits, 222 left on base, 257 putouts, 11 assists, and 1 double play.

2013 batting average: .284 (158-556)

OBP: .332

SLG: .396

OPS: .728



just like last year, i have several more blogs planned, including Michael's 2nd half numbers, all of Michael's game-by-game #s and notes, and all of Michael's total #s according to where he hit in the lineup. i will also be writing about his postseason numbers, series by series, as far as the Indians make it. once the postseason is over, i will blog my thoughts on Michael's 2013 season and compare it to his 2012 season. i also want to write a wrap up blog including how my preseason 2013 Tribe expectations did or did not come to fruition along with other thoughts on the year, and a blog with my hopes for the 2014 season. i may throw in another surprise blog or 2 along the way. so keep an eye out.

Introduction Blog: Who Am I?

the first thing you need to know about me is i am a Ride Or Die Cleveland Indians fan. i don't like bandwagon bitches and i'll never apologize for my passion. i never give up on a game before it's over. i am currently in my 3rd consecutive year of not having missed so much as 1 out of 1 inning in 1 game. i will rearrange my social life, doc appts, etc. so that i don't miss games. and i do all this w/o having the benefit of actually watching Indians games. i live in an area of NY where Cleveland games are blacked out on the MLB Package. therefore, i have to listen to every game on my computer with GameDay audio. it's not that bad, as i love me some Hammy calls. but idk how many other people in my shoes would do this for 162 games a year, every year.

the amount of articles and Tribe writer tweets i read every day is astounding. not to toot my own horn but i can't even count how many times someone had a Tribe question and i had the answer for them. at least that's how it was on the message board i used to post on. i also listen to (and transcribed for the message board) Terry Pluto and Hoynsie's podcasts every week. you can trust that i know what's going on.

the second thing you need to know about me is that I AM MICHAEL BRANTLEY'S #1 FAN. that is not debatable. nobody dedicates as much time as i do to documenting all his #s and keeping track of what he does every game. until someone else gets his autograph 10 times, bookmarks all his videos, takes screen caps of videos he's in, saves his online pictures, and can proudly declare they supported him back in 2010 when his BA was as low as .118, you cannot argue this fact with me. not to mention the countless pictures and videos i myself take of him whenever i go to Cleveland for Tribe games.

i made the first "Michael Brantley's #1 fan" sign in 2010, which lured him over to my section before a game and got me my first Brantley autograph along with a big smile from Michael. as of September 2013, i currently have 10 Brantley autographs.

i made a personalized women's sized Brantley jersey in 2010 before most people even knew who he was, long before they sold his jerseys in the team shop, and way before he became the consistent hitter he is today. i also made a personalized blue Brantley shirt before everyone else too. i have his red player signature shirt as well. and thanks to a Brantley jersey giveaway in July 2013, i added TWO replica Brantley jerseys to my collection. just don't challenge me on this #1 fan business because you're gonna make yourself look bad.

my monthly Brantley blogs should support my cause as well. i take notes during every game Michael plays and write down all his game stats in a notebook, which later get written up into my blogs. i calculate all his final #s myself. i do not just pull his numbers off a statistics website. hell, i am turning into his statistics website now.

i really needed a new place to post my monthly Brantley blogs and thought it was about time i got myself a blogspot. so here it is. to anyone who takes the time to read through all my blogs and Brantley stats, thank you, i appreciate the support. and spread the word if you like.

if there's anything you need to know about Brantley, i'm your girl =D

Let's Talk Indians Attendance

let's talk about attendance for a minute. the Indians attendance numbers for the most part have been embarrassing all year, but they are really embarrassing as of late. the team has drastically improved from a year ago. we aren't going to lose 90+ games again. it's September and we're still very much in the race for a wild card spot, yet "fans" still won't go to the ballpark. they didn't even have 10,000 fans at tonight's game. i'm fuckin over it.

i'm tired of the excuses. i don't wanna hear that kids are back in school now. well what was the excuse when the kids were out of school and the Indians still weren't getting big crowds?

i don't wanna hear it's getting colder now. there were plenty of nice summer nights that should have brought lots of fans in yet didn't.

and i really don't wanna hear that it's too expensive. if you think going to a game is too expensive, then you better be piss fuck poor. i really believe that people make up bullshit in their mind as reason not to go to games. either that, or they're not really that good of fans to begin with.

let's go over just how "expensive" going to a Cleveland Indians game is, shall we?

there are limited numbers of $10 bleacher seats for every game. no, you won't get them if you wait until the day of the game, so plan ahead. also, there are many cheap tickets available on the online ticket seller sites, such as Stubhub. if you really want to be there and don't have a lot of money, you will buy a cheap seat.

so at this point, you can get a ticket for $10 and then all you have to pay for on top of that is gas and parking. if you know where to park downtown and don't mind walking 5 minutes to the ballpark, then you can park for under $10. and something tells me that you would be putting gas in your car at some point anyways, no matter where you went during the week, so i don't see that as too much extra money breaking your bank. (unless you live far away like i do. then you may need to save up/put aside some extra gas money.)

alright, so far it's really NOT that expensive right?

now you ask me about concessions. first off, they lowered food prices, so certain foods and drinks don't cost as much as they used to. and hello! you can bring you own damn food/snacks/drink in and virtually spend NOTHING on eating. you would have to eat anyways if you weren't at a game, so again that isn't really adding any more money to the pile. make a sandwich to bring, grab a sub from Subway or a burger from a fast food place, and bring a beverage. whatever you would normally eat, unless you're hardcore cooking a huge dinner, just bring that to the game. boom, done.

and do you really need alcohol? well if you do, let me remind you that the Indians currently have the 4th lowest beer prices out of all the major league ballparks. so you're getting a deal there. and seriously, maybe try being a DD for a night if you're that strapped for cash.

but if all this is STILL too expensive for you to go to a ballgame, then i better not hear about you gallivanting to other places. if you can afford to go to a movie, you can go to a ballgame. if you can afford to go out to a nice restaurant one night, you can go to a ballgame. if you can afford a trip to the casino, you have a gambling problem. jk, you can go to a ballgame. if you can go to a bar at night and spend money on drinks for yourself and/or any women you meet, you can go to a ballgame. if you can go on a family vacation, like hell you can't go to a ballgame. if you can afford to do any of the above and have any type of social life, then there is no reason you can't go to a ballgame. I DON'T WANNA HEAR THE FUCKING BULLSHIT EXCUSES ANYMORE.

i KNOW a lot of people who aren't going to games simply aren't going because they don't think the team is going to win and they don't want to potentially watch the team lose. what kind of fan are you then? if you're not gonna support the team through both the good times and the bad times, then you might as well just give up the sport. and that goes for ANY fan of ANY sport. it's not fair for a "fan" to disappear when times get tough and then just show up again when things have turned the corner. if you think the team should be perfect for all 162 games, then you have an unrealistic view of sports, and probably life too. if you can't deal with the bad times a team is going through, how do you deal with the struggles you go through in your life? oh you don't have any? your life is perfect? give me a break. life is tough, get a helmet, and don't be a bandwagon fan. (or if you are a bandwagon fan, then at least admit it. i won't get along with you, but at least i'll understand where your nonsense is coming from.)

the Indians went out and actually spent money during the offseason to bring guys in that we desperately needed. no, they aren't batting .300 and knocking homers out of the park every game, but trust me, things would be a lot worse if we stuck with some of the players we had on the team from last year. if you're disappointed because the Indians may not make the playoffs this year, i think you put too high of an expectation on this team. i said plenty of times before that it's very hard to go from losing 94 games to making the playoffs in one year's time. besides, Cleveland fans should be used to losing anyways. we joke about "there's always next year" but when that becomes reality, idk i guess some people can't handle it.

but the Indians finally did what fans wanted them to do. they did what fans said would get them back to the ballpark. yet here we stand, still with one of the lowest overall attendance numbers in the whole league. it's ridiculous and embarrassing. the Indians shouldn't have to "earn" anybody's support. that is straight bullshit. either love em regardless or don't love em at all, but i am so done with the excuses.